Budget
Earlier predictions by Alistair Darling that we are facing the worst recession since the Great Depression seem now to be correct. The economy will shrink by 3.5% this year, but the Chancellor suggested that recovery would start by the end of the year with growth returning in the next.
There was immediately some scepticism cast on these predictions as being overly optimistic. If growth does not resume to this forecast the burden of debt will be even higher.
The chancellor's statement on the UK economy contained some truly huge numbers, as a country we are currently £700billion in debt, and this will rise to £1.1trillion by 2013, and even after this there will still be a 5% deficit in our annual budget.
The key headline of the budget, apart from those colossal borrowing figures, was the introduction of a new taxation rate of 50p on all incomes over £150 000. This measure will only affect around 1% of the population, but will also raise relatively little revenue. Certainly not enough to make any dent in the mountain of debt.
This was principally a political move, attempting to create a dividing line and placing the Conservatives on the side of the rich. Other measures, such as the increase in fuel duty and the scheduled rise in all National Insurance in 2011 will raise far more money, be applicable to all and disproportionately affect the poor.
Please Pray for those who have lost their jobs or are struggling with debt, pray that they will receive the assistance they need. Pray for Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling who are faced with incredibly difficult decision over the management of the economy.
Coroners and Justice Bill
The Coroners and Justice Bill will soon begin its passage through the Lords, having been agreed by the Commons. There still remain several troubling aspects. Firstly a clause remains that would threaten the freedom of speech in regards to sexuality.
We are writing to Lords to ensure that while Homophobia should never be condoned, there should remain the freedom to comment on, and criticise, sexual ethics. There is also the danger that the Bill will be amended to introduce assisted-suicide. This proposal is not currently in the Bill but may well be suggested.
We are encouraging everyone to write to the Lords to make their opinion heard on these matters, if you would like information about how to do this please contact info@eauk.org.
Please Pray that the dignity of frail and infirm people will not be disregard and their lives diminished by the idea that they might be a burden on society. Pray that our freedom of speech will be protected and not compromised. Pray that the Lords will defend our liberties in the face of what is likely to be strong pressure from the Government.
Sri Lanka
For the past two weeks there has been a continual protest outside Parliament in support of the Tamil minority group in Sri Lanka. The governing Ceylonese group are winning the civil war that has raged for two decades and the lives of many innocent civilians are under threat. As the Ceylonese army attack the last rebel strong holds there are around 100 000 civilians trapped between the armies.
Please pray that a peaceful solution can be found to this ongoing crisis. Pray for the protection of those caught between the armies that there would be no more bloodshed. Please pray for the leaders of the two armies, pray for compassion and wisdom as they lead their groups.
For further insights on these and other issues The Evangelical Alliance Public Affairs department produces a monthly parliamentary magazine, PQ, and a monthly 'Prayer and Campaigns' action and prayer sheet. Both of these are available on our website www.eauk.org along with topical political briefing material. If you have any questions please e-mail the public affairs team at:- pub-aff@eauk.org .
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